ST. LOUIS, – The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced the induction of the first C-130 aircraft slated to receive the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) upgrade at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga. This is the first of 20 aircraft to be upgraded during low-rate initial production (LRIP).“Warner Robins is ready to receive the C-130 and begin installing the AMP kits,” said Tommy Jackson, C-130 AMP deputy program manager for the U.S. Air Force. “Our team has been trained by Boeing, and we are excited to get the first of many aircraft through our line and upgraded.”

Air Force workers at Robins will install glass cockpits that include a head-up display; six flat-panel, full-color displays; and night-vision capability in 10 of the 20 LRIP aircraft. Warner Robins will receive its second C-130 for AMP modification in October.

“The C-130 AMP is production-ready,” said Mahesh Reddy, C-130 AMP program manager for Boeing. “Today marks a very important day for the warfighter. Boeing and the Air Force are one step closer to delivering a fleet of C-130 AMP aircraft.”

Boeing will begin its portion of the installations in early 2012 at its San Antonio facility.(Boeing)See Also :C-130 Avionics Modernization ProgramThe C-130 AMP was initiated to modernize, standardize and reduce total ownership costs for the United States Air Force C-130 fleet, including specialized versions in service with the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). It consolidates 13 Mission Design Series into one common core avionics suite with five mission families: One for Combat Delivery, which constitutes the majority of the C-130 fleet, and four for the unique Special Operations mission requirements.

The central element of Boeing's AMP configuration is Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management compliance, without which the C-130 fleet would be prohibited from certain worldwide air-navigation routes. An upgraded, common fleet offers dramatic life cycle cost benefits including greater reliability, simplified fleet-wide training, and a flexible architecture designed to reduce crew size and accommodate future technology insertion.Boeing is expected to provide the AMP modifications and upgrades to 222 USAF C-130 transport aircraft.

The C-130 AMP-Modern Digital Glass Cockpit featuring six 6x8 Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), pilot and co-pilot wide field of view Head Up Displays (HUDs), two Communication and Navigation Control Panels (CNCPs), and Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compliance,
-Open System Architecture that is both modular and net ready. This permits reduction in crew size through elimination of the navigator, while allowing for the addition of future capabilities,
-Performance Based Contractor Logistics Support that employs Integrated Vehicle Health Management; establishing a fleet-wide integrated training approach and implementing a common spares base. Boeing's support approach makes the C-130 fleet more available and more affordable to operate,
-Prepares the C-130 for another 30 years of service - Boeing's AMP ensures the affordable long-term combat relevance of today s C-130 fleet.(Boeing)

Government efforts to select the next generation of mainstay FX fighter jet for the Air Self-Defense Force, a decision likely to have a profound effect on the future of the nation's air defense, have come to a standstill.The deadline to choose the successor to the ASDF's aging F-4 fighters is said to be 2016. But the Defense Ministry is likely to demand only research expenses for the FX fighter in its fiscal 2011 budget request to be submitted Tuesday. The ministry has unofficially decided to postpone the budget request to procure next-generation mainstay FX fighter jets.

The strain in the Japan-U.S. relationship caused by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan's handling of the relocation of the U.S. Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture has hampered Japan's ability to select FX fighters, observers said.The 70 F-4 fighters currently owned by the ASDF were phased into service beginning in 1971. Many have degraded over time, and some were taken out of service as they reached their maximum permitted flight hours.

In the United States, which developed the aircraft, all F-4 fighters have been retired.

The major next-generation fighter jet candidates being studied by the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces are the F-35 jointly developed by Britain, the United States and other countries; the Eurofighter, jointly developed by four European countries such as Britain and Germany; and the F/A-18E/F of the United States. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Mitsubishi F-2 (photo : Wiki)

The ASDF wants to purchase the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter jet, which features mobility as well as stealth capability to evade radar detection.

The F-4 fighter, a mainstay of the 1960s and '70s, is the nation's third-generation fighter, but the ASDF hopes to make a leap straight to fifth-generation fighters."Russia already is conducting flight tests of a fifth-generation fighter. China also will fly a fifth-generation aircraft in the mid-2010s," an ASDF official said.

However, the U.S. Air Force is not likely to deploy the F-35 until 2015, about two years behind schedule. Accordingly, it is unclear if Japan would be able to import the F-35 by its 2016 target.

The Defense Ministry plans to seek research expenses for F-35 technology in the fiscal 2011 budget.

However, sources close to military affairs said it is questionable whether the United States would disclose top-secret information pertaining to the F-35 at a time when Japan has not definitively expressed its intention to procure the fifth-generation U.S. fighter.

Grounds for concern include the F-35's price tag of more than 20 billion yen apiece, and the potential for the jet's malfunctioning after its development.

Moreover, there is no chance the United States would allow Japan to manufacture the F-35 under license by paying patent fees, as Japan did not participate in the fighter's joint development with the U.S. and other partner governments. Therefore, the fighter's introduction would offer no opportunities for Japan's defense industry.

Currently, F-2 fighters are produced domestically, but that program will be terminated in fiscal 2011. If Japan is subsequently unable to produce next-generation fighters under license, the nation's production and technology bases would be lost.

Meanwhile, the countries developing the Eurofighter are trying to market the aircraft to Japan using a "no black box approach," meaning sensitive information would be disclosed to Japan. They say Japan would be able to develop and produce its own version of the Eurofighter without leaking the developer countries' restricted military technology.

Britain's BAE Systems PLC Vice President Andy Latham, who is in charge of Eurofighter sales, said the aircraft would be best suited to nurturing the Japanese defense industry.

The point at issue is how Japan's selection of a European fighter would affect the Japan-U.S. alliance because Japan so far has adopted U.S. forces' mainstay fighters.

According to a senior Defense Ministry official, "If the Japan-U.S. relationship had not worsened due to the dispute over the U.S. Futenma Air Station, the Eurofighter could be one of our choices [for a next-generation fighter.]"

With no decisive factor, the ministry is also considering a plan to postpone the selection and procurement of the successor fighters and simply maintain domestic production of the F-2.

Prof. Satoshi Morimoto of Takushoku University criticized the government, saying it has no basic vision for the nation's security. "I can't see that the government has any clear vision pertaining to the selection of fighters and maintenance of the domestic defense industry," he said.

DENPASAR, Indonesia -- In the tussle for influence in Southeast Asia, the United States and China have long been competing for Indonesia's affections. The strategically positioned, resource-rich archipelago is a prized partner in an era of fuel shortages and the global war on terror. But Washington and Beijing have lately expanded their courtship of Jakarta from the traditional areas of trade agreements, foreign direct investment, market access and technical assistance, to increasingly include offers of military hardware and military cooperation.

This three-way dance began in 2005, when China and Indonesia announced their "Strategic Partnership." At the same time, the U.S. partly normalized military-to-military ties with Indonesia after an embargo imposed in the 1990s due to the human rights abuses in East Timor by the Indonesian military (TNI).

Beijing took an early lead in this race for influence. The Indonesia-China Strategic Partnership marked a breakthrough in the relationship between the two giant neighbors and sent alarm bells ringing in Washington. The agreement sought to expand the political, cultural and military-security aspects of the bilateral relationship. In terms of the latter, in particular, it committed the two countries to developing each other's defense industries, establishing a defense consultation mechanism, and increasing cooperation between their law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the fight against transnational security threats.

In July 2005, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Beijing and signed a memorandum of understanding on defense technology cooperation for the development of short- and medium-range missiles. Jakarta also placed a $11 million order for YJ-82/C-802 anti-ship missiles.

In 2006, Indonesia-China Defense Security Consultation talks were inaugurated, causing significant concern in Washington. The warming ties between Jakarta and Beijing led to two Chinese warships visiting Indonesia in March 2007, the first such visit in more than 12 years.

A draft agreement on defense cooperation was then signed in the second Defense Security Consultation Talks a month later, covering defense technology cooperation, exchange of military students and the possibility of further arms sales to Indonesia.

In January 2008, the two countries further agreed to cooperate in the joint production of military transport vehicles and aircraft, to be developed by the two countries' state-owned defense industries. The same year, China's NORINCO and Indonesia's Pindad signed a deal to jointly develop rocket launchers and accompanying ammunition. An agreement was also reached on setting up a TNI-PLA cooperation committee, with a view to arranging joint military and training exercises.

China's charm offensive, however, has led to little tangible results, as the Jamestown Foundation's China Brief argued last year. For all the talks, no contractual production agreements have been signed thus far. Sino-Indonesian military exchanges have also been limited, and no more large orders of Chinese-manufactured military hardware have been placed by Jakarta.

One potential explanation for the slowdown is the United States' renewed efforts to restore relations with Indonesia. Though the groundwork had been laid in previous years, the speed with which the U.S. moved to regain the upper hand in the contest for Jakarta's sympathies over the last 12 months has been quite remarkable.

In March 2010, a U.S. Air Force technical team carried out critical in-country safety and maintenance reviews of the Indonesian air force's of U.S.-built aircraft. This was followed by the signing in early June of a wide-ranging agreement -- the Framework Arrangement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defense -- intended to integrate existing defense collaboration between the two countries, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia.

The same month, U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume inaugurated a $56 million program to fund production of coastal and shipboard radar systems at the Batam Regional Maritime Command Center. The systems included 16 coastal radars, 11 shipboard radars, one set of headquarters equipment and two regional command centers, according to information on the official Web site of the U.S. embassy.

In July, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta told Jane's that it was processing a range of Indonesian requests for services and equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense. It also indicated that Washington intended to position itself as a key military supplier to Indonesia.

Just what that meant became clearer when Indonesia Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro expressed Jakarta's intention to buy U.S.-built F-16 and C-130H Hercules aircraft during a bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in Jakarta on July 22. The purchase would be funded by the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, a U.S. grant provided to foreign governments to fund the purchase of U.S.-made weapons, services and training.

After the lifting of the U.S. military embargo, Indonesia received nearly $1 million in FMF funds in 2006. That has climbed to $20 million this year.

While in Jakarta, Gates also announced that Washington had lifted its ban on cooperation with Kopassus, the TNI's controversial special forces. The restriction had been the last remaining embargo on bilateral military-to-military ties.

But Washington's reversal of fortune does not mean that Beijing is accepting defeat. China has designated 2010, "The Year of China-Indonesia Friendship," to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. High-ranking Chinese officials have already traveled to Jakarta this year to propose, among other things, the establishment of a joint council to facilitate increased levels of joint military production. Beijing has also offered additional C-802 anti-ship missiles as well as a range of naval vessels.

While Jakarta is considering its options, there are rumors that Yudhoyono may ask for an increase in Indonesia's FMF allocation when U.S. President Barack Obama visits Indonesia later this year. Against such a backdrop, Obama -- who spent part of his childhood in Indonesia -- will find it difficult to refuse. (/Fabio Scarpello)

30 Agustus 2010

30 Agustus 2010SAAB JAS-39 Gripen for RTAF (photo : Gripen)Thailand's House of Representatives approved a Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11) defence budget of THB170 billion (USD5.4 billion) on 26 August, an expenditure that includes funds allocated to a second batch of six Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

The allocation is a 10 per cent increase over actual defence spending in FY09 and accounts for 8 per cent of the total national expenditure. It is equal to approximately 1.7 per cent of GDP.

Between 25 and 30 cent of the defence budget is earmarked for capital expenditure, which includes a down payment on six JAS 39 Gripens and funding for the mid-life upgrade of the RTAF's Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs.

It’s a small, agile fighter that can take off and land on highways, while carrying the latest technologies and weapons. It does very well against NATO’s best aircraft in exercises, comes with a reasonable price tag, and is built for low lifetime operating costs. Unfortunately, in a world where people often buy your weapons because they want you to be their friend, the cachet of having Sweden in your corner isn’t quite what it used to be when their sailors wore those cool horned helmets. As a result, the JAS-39 Gripen is an excellent, reasonably-priced fighter yet it has been struggling for traction in the global marketplace.

A recent sale to Thailand has expanded Saab’s horizons somewhat, as the Gripen beat out the SU-30s favored by the previous Thai government. Lockheed Martin’s F-16 had been considered the leading contender to replace the RTAF’s 15-25 aging F-5B/Es, given Thailand’s extensive history with that aircraft. Other candidates included Russia’s MiG-29, and France’s Rafale. Saab had a very competitive offering on cost and performance, but in order to win, they had to throw in a very significant “something extra”: their Saab 340-AEW AWACS aircraft.

The Thai AF and the Program

At present, the Royal Thai Air Force’s fighter fleet consists of old 1960s-70 era upgraded F-5E/F Tiger IIs, plus AV-8S Harrier IIs and F-16A/B fighters. A number of its neighbors are currently flying longer-range and more advanced SU-27/30 Flanker fighters, however, including India (SU-30MK & SU-30MKI), Indonesia (SU-27SK & SU-30MK), Malaysia (SU-30MKM), Vietnam (SU-27SK), and China (SU-27SK/J-11 & SU-30MKK).

In mid-October 2007 The Thai Cabinet approved a budget of 34.4 billion baht (about $1.1 billion) for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to purchase 12 JAS-39 Gripen multi-role fighters to replace its aging fleet of F-5 B/E Tiger II aircraft (the Israeli-upgraded F-5Ts with DASH helmet displays and Python missiles will remain in service). The RTAF would also buy 2 Saab S-1000/ S340 Erieye Airborne Early Warning aircraft, together with associated equipment and services.

The Saab Erieye AWACS was recently sold to Pakistan, and uses a fixed active-array S-band antenna with 200 solid state modules. The look angle on each side is about 160 degrees, with a maximum range of about 450 km (279 miles) from 20,000 feet, and effective range against fighter-size or seaborne targets of about 300-330 km (180-205 miles). The electronically scanned antenna can scan sectors of interest frequently while others are monitored, and a single sector can be scanned in different modes at the same time.

Thai Air force chief Chalit Phukphasuk Chavalit reportedly met with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Sept 29/07 and convinced him to support the purchase, citing the need for new combat aircraft to match neighboring Malaysia’s new SU-30MKMs. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly ordered then air force chief ACM Kongsak Wantana to switch to the SU-30s for Thailand’s own purchase, but ACM Chalit rejected the plane as unsuited to Thailand’s needs when he became the new air force chief.

Negotiations between Thai and Swedish government officials followed, in order to conclude a formal agreement. Delivery of the Gripens into operational service of the Royal Thai Air Force is now planned for 2011, and the buy is divided into 2 phases:

Phase 1 covers 6 JAS-39 Gripen fighters (2x JAS-39C single-seat, 4x JAS-39D 2-seat), including spare parts and training; and 2 Saab 340 turboprop aircraft. One Saab 340 will be outfitted as an S-1000 airborne early warning system with Saab’s Erieye radar, while the other will be a training and transport platform. The cost would be about 19 billion baht/ SEK 3.8 billion/ $600 million1, spread within a 5-year budgetary commitment from 2008-2012.

The Swedish fighters will be stationed at the air force base in Surat Thani, where Wing 7 would cover the Gulf of Thailand, the Andaman Sea and the southern region of the country. An S340 ERIEYE Airborne Early Warning radar system and one additional Saab 340 aircraft will be delivered in December 2010. The RTAF will receive 3 JAS-39 C/D fighters in January 2011m and another 3 in March 2010. One Command and Control C2 system, including equipment for 3 ground based Radio sites will be delivered in March 2011. The first 6 Gripens are expected to be fully operational around September 2011.

In Phase 2, the RTAF intends to procure an additional 6 Gripen fighters together with associated equipment, spare parts and training, and a 2nd Saab S340 Erieye AEW system aircraft, for about $500 million over a 5-year budgetary commitment from 2013-2017. A budget squeeze ended up delaying this option, but it seems to be moving forward again.

Sweden has offered the Gripen fighters with a 2-year maintenance and spare parts support package. As is frequently the case, Saab’s deal includes industrial offsets and benefits involving Saab investment, and Thai-Swedish industrial, science & technology co-operation, technology transfer, and investment co-operation.

BASA AIR BASE, Pampanga, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to purchase new aircraft, including 22 trainer jets, seven attack helicopters and eight combat utility helicopters.

In an interview with The STAR, PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Ernesto Ocol also said the PAF is slated to buy refurbished aircraft including a C-130 cargo plane, and special mission aircraft.

“For 2010, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is awaiting the release of P5 billion from the Department of Budget and Management. These are projects for the modernization program that were funded from the BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority) remittances from the sale of military lands at the Fort Bonifacio,” Ocol said.

He said the PAF’s morale remains high despite accusations that the Aquino administration had mishandled the recent bloody hostage incident in Manila.

He said President Aquino’s “commitment to the military” has endeared him to the PAF which believes in his “capable leadership as our commander-in-chief.”

“Unlike before, the morale of the military is really up, because of the confidence that President Aquino has the solid mandate of the people,” said Air Defense Wing commander Lt. Col. Manuel Renatigue.

Ocol said the initial batch of new aircraft - costing about P600 million - would consist of 22 propeller-driven SF-260 trainer aircraft from Italy.

The second package would consist of seven new attack helicopters, eight combat helicopters, and eight combat utility helicopters.

Refurbished aircraft to be acquired by the PAF would consist of 10 UH-1H helicopters, C-130H cargo plane, and one special mission aircraft.

Ocol could not immediately say how much the aircraft under Package 2 would cost, but he noted that “the seven attack helicopter purchase is currently on the bidding stage with the bid opening scheduled on Sept. 9.”

He said that the acquisition of eight units of combat utility helicopters from Poland is “awaiting the opening of the letter of credit.”

“We do not purchase from countries whose military do not use the aircraft we’re buying,” he stressed.

Ocol also said that the acquisition of 10 UH-1H helicopters “is undergoing review of technical specifications,” while the purchase of an “upgraded C-130H is currently on the bidding process with the pre-bid conference to be participated in by interested proponents on Sept. 20.”

“The plan for a special mission aircraft is also currently in the process of requirement determination,” he added.

Ocol said that the P5-billion modernization program is provided for in the AFP Modernization Law approved in 1995.

Renatigue said the acquisition program consists of three phases of six years each, called “horizons” by the PAF. He said Horizon 1 pertains to “internal security operations,” which supposedlly ended last July.

“While Horizon 1 already ended, we are still implementing its last phases with the purchases of trainer aircraft. Horizon 2 is supposed to provide the transition towards external defense which is Horizon 3,” he said.

President Aquino has vowed to enhance the capabilities of the military and the police, including the hiring of new recruits and purchasing of equipment, next year.

Under the proposed 2011 national budget, the President said the Department of National Defense (DND) would get a budget of P104.7 billion, while the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) would receive P88.2 billion to ensure peace and order and public safety.

Of the DND budget, the President said P5 billion would be utilized for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) would get P130 million to restore the S-211 aircraft while the Philippine Army (PA) will be provided with some P28 million for the upgrading of Trauma Management Infrastructure and Health Services Equipment.

“The people’s security and safety are a top priority of my administration.

We will strengthen the police and the armed forces,” the President said in his budget message.The President said at least P69.4 billion would be allotted to modernize the police force, or 79.8 percent of the total budget of the DILG, which has control over the Philippine National Police (PNP).The government will spend P2 billion for the purchase of equipment for the police and P221 million for the hiring of 3,000 police officers next year. Around P100 million will also fund the construction of police stations.

The latest budget support for the PNP comes amid criticisms over its bungled rescue attempt in a bus hijacking last Aug. 23 that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead.

To enhance the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the government also plans to spend P1.3 billion for the hiring of 500 jail officers, the purchase of 500 short firearms, and funding for subsistence and medicine allowances of detainees.

At least P8.2 billion has been set aside for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Of the amount, P138 million will be for the salaries and allowances of 500 Fire Officers who will be hired, as well as for the acquisition of firefighting gear.

Boeing Defence Australia has modified the 32nd wing pylon under the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade Phase 2.3 (HUG 2.3) program, and has now delivered the number of pylons required for the project’s interim operational capability (IOC) milestone.

The milestone demonstrates that Boeing Defence Australia is meeting both contract and customer requirements.

Under HUG 2.3, Boeing Defence Australia is responsible for upgrading the active electronic warfare threat receivers on all 71 RAAF F/A-18 aircraft from its facilities at RAAF Base Williamtown.

This includes modifying the wing pylons on each aircraft to carry advanced countermeasures dispensers and re-wiring the electrical system to accommodate the new system.

Boeing Defence Australia commenced the pylon modification program in March 2010 and is expected to complete the remaining 44 pylons by August 2011.

29 Agustus 2010

LANGKAWI : An academy will be set up on the island to fight terrorism and other global crimes, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the ministry had agreed to use the spacious 202ha Langkawi International Shooting Range here as the centre for the proposed academy.

"The shooting range will be used as a training ground, a research center and to host meeting by enforcement and intelligence agencies from around the world.

"The Ministry is currently finetuning the proposal, which will be presented to the Cabinet soon", he told reporters after chairing a meeting with department leaders and heads of agencies and the police here yesterday.

He said the academy would focus on applying the latest techniques to fight terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, money laundering, cyber crime, biological warfare and the use of explosives.

"The academy will also study new crime trends and identify criminal types" he said that the ministry would seek foreign assistance to set up the academy.

The academy which will also have facilities for sports, recreation, administration and simulation exercises, will be managed by a chairman and a board of directors.

28 Agustus 2010

Enstrom Helicopter Corp. Flies the First 480B Destined for the JGSDF Training Program

Menominee MI, August 24, 2010 – Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has completed the first day of flying for the first 480B helicopter destined for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Pilot Training Program.

“The first day could not have gone better”, said Jerry Mullins, President and CEO of Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. “All necessary flight performance requirements were met and Production Flight Testing has been completed. We will enter into the certification phase of the testing early this week.”

The aircraft configuration procured by the JGSDF has multiple new options that were developed for this program. The industry unique 2+2 (two pilots and 2 passenger) cabin configuration was one of the major developments undertaken for the JGSDF. Certified in November of 2009, Enstrom and its Japanese representation, AERO Facility, Ltd. Inc., teamed up to develop and certify the newly configured cabin that allows two sets of controls and additional seating for two passengers. “The unique thing about this configuration in the 480B”, said Tracy Biegler, Director of Sales and Marketing, “is that both pilots and passengers are all in the same area, able to view all instruments, watch each of the pilots, and see what each other see.”

The 2+2 configuration was one of the major requirements of the program and was recognized early on as a key to success. The requested configuration was very stringent and required excellent visibility of the instruments, controls, and external views from all seats within the helicopter. Therefore, a unique cabin configuration, such as the 480B provides, was required to create a successful solution without compromise to the rest of the program. With the versatility of the Enstrom design, along with a company infrastructure designed and staffed to react quickly, the design went from concept to certification in record time.

Other items that were developed for this program are primarily special support avionics for the missions defined by the JGSDF. Certification will now drive the final delivery timing for the aircraft. It is expected that this process will be completed within the next six to eight weeks. The program calls for this first evaluation helicopter to be delivered in 2010, with a total of 30 aircraft to be delivered by 2014. Enstrom was chosen in a competitive bidding process over two formidable manufacturers in February of this year.

DEFENCE has resumed talks with the US about a $1 billion contract to buy the Global Hawk unmanned patrol plane.

The plane could extend the reach of operations against people-smugglers.While the RAAF would be the operator, the Department of Home Affairs is understood to be keen to access the aircraft's intelligence-gathering capability.Yesterday, the federal opposition reaffirmed it would make the Global Hawk a top priority if it wins power.

The high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned spy plane would play a major role in border protection, especially the early detection of asylum seeker boats, an opposition defence spokesman said.

The opposition favours buying three at first and then buying the additional five aircraft the Australian Defence Force wants.

Fallout from the global financial crisis was behind the Rudd government's decision last year to withdraw from the Global Hawk program.

RAAF's P-3C maritime patrol aircraft (photo : Williewonker)

Former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon deferred plans to acquire the aircraft until 2019, saying the government's priority had switched to finding a new manned aircraft to replace the RAAF's ageing fleet of P-3C Orion surveillance planes.

But the ongoing surge in asylum-seeker boat arrivals has highlighted the need for better maritime intelligence.

The Global Hawk purchase is regarded as low-risk for the government, because the aircraft system has a proven track record and is in service with the US Air Force and Navy. "The real issue facing both the government and opposition -- whoever they are -- is the imminent emergence of a surveillance capability gap with the retirement of the P3s (Orion surveillance planes) and the introduction into service of the new P8s (Poseidon aircraft)," a senior defence source said.

In an April speech detailing the federal opposition's foreign and defence policies, Tony Abbott said the aircraft also would be used to help protect oil and gas projects on the North West Shelf.

"In a day, a Global Hawk can keep under surveillance 40,000 square nautical miles," he said. "Real-time surveillance and their vast area of coverage should allow much earlier detection and interception of illegal boat arrivals."

27 Agustus 2010

SINGAPORE: For the first time, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) task group and institutional trainers to Afghanistan.

The 52-man group is in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital of Uruzgan, together with a team of four institutional trainers in Kabul, as part of Singapore's contribution to the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.

The UAV Task Group, which commenced operations on Friday, will be deployed till November.

The four institutional trainers, who started their operations a week earlier, will be deployed till December.

They will then hand over to a second rotation of institutional trainers who will be deployed till next April.

The task group will be carrying out surveillance of key roads to improve security for Afghan locals and international forces.

The four trainers are at an artillery school in Kabul to train the Afghan National Army in artillery operations and doctrine development.

They will also advise the school on the effective administration and conduct of artillery courses.

Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) visited the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) Underground Ammunition Facility (UAF) at Mandai West Camp, the site of a former granite quarry, on 23 Aug. Hosted by Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, the visit helped the committee to understand the role of the UAF as a 3rd Generation SAF facility.

The visit, organised by the Ministry of Defence to familiarise and update members of GPC-DFA on developments in the SAF, began with an overview of the UAF and its design and safety features. The importance of the UAF as a one-stop operations centre for storage and supply for ammunition in the SAF was highlighted, with an emphasis on how the SAF's operational readiness had been enhanced through the facility.

The overview was followed by a tour of the facilities, which included the UAF Education Centre, the Base Control Centre and the Ammunition Storage Cavern. The cavern was definitely the highlight of the visit. Despite the musty smell and relatively lower levels of oxygen, the visitors were undaunted and were greeted by vast columns of munitions when the blast door was opened. It was explained that the lower oxygen levels were one of the many safety measures in place to reduce the risk of explosions. While one would take a while to get accustomed to the lower oxygen level, ventilation was in no way compromised.

The visitors were impressed by the top-notch technology and features of the UAF, such as the Electric Side Loader and the Containerised Storage System, which are unique to the UAF. They also learnt how various challenges had been overcome, from addressing major technology gaps to the demands of having to coordinate the various agencies during the planning and construction stages.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has scored a world's first with its newly commissioned Underground Ammunition Facility (UAF).

Touted as the world's most modern underground ammunition facility and the first large-scale underground containerised facility to be designed and developed within a densely developed and urbanised area, the UAF is a revolutionary engineering achievement that took more than 10 years to complete.

"The facility that we are standing in today is a reality because we dared to pursue a bold new solution to overcome one of our perennial constraints," said Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, who officiated at the commissioning ceremony on 7 Mar.

Apart from safety and operational requirements, efficient land use and space management were key considerations in the design of the UAF.

When the existing Seletar East Ammunition Depot was identified for redevelopment by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Ministry of Defence recognised that replacing it with a traditional above-ground ammunition depot would not be optimal in land-scarce Singapore.

This is because for a conventional ammunition depot, large tracts of land surrounding it are required to be "sterilised" - not used for any other purpose - in order to ensure a safe distance from the depot to public access areas.

"The UAF requires 90 per cent less land to be sterilised when compared with a traditional above-ground ammunition depot of similar capabilities," said Mr Teo.

"This is because the inherent strength of the granite formation here at the Mandai Quarry provides natural fortification and its hard granite walls contain the risks associated with ammunition storage."By building this underground facility, about 300 hectares of land, equivalent to 400 football fields or half of Pasir Ris New Town, have been freed up for other use.

The UAF is equipped with the latest ammunition storage technology and systems to serve as a one-stop operations centre for storage and supply of ammunition in the SAF.

Gone are the days of having to manually strap ammunition pallets onto transporters to move out of the depot.

Mechanised for easy retrieval and processing, containers can now be easily loaded onto commercial trailers.

By leveraging on IT and automation, about 20 per cent less manpower is needed to operate the facility. More ammunition can also be moved to the troops in a much shorter time, and in the exact configuration required for the mission.

This is done by storing ammunition loads for specific missions in ready-to-move standard containers.

Another benefit is the natural insulation provided by the granite caverns, resulting in a 50 per cent reduction in the energy required for cooling compared to a conventional depot.

The engineering team that undertook this massive project comprised members from the SAF, the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA), and SembCorp Design and Construction.

They carried out extensive simulation studies and scale-testing of shock waves in a mixed media of soil and rock to validate key design aspects, setting new international standards in underground storage safety in the process.

Their research findings have been since presented at international conferences and published in leading scientific journals.

"Because they dared to dream, think deep and break new ground, we have created more space for our defence, while freeing up more precious land for Singapore," said Mr Teo.

Other research centres that collaborated on the project include the Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, Sandia National Laboratories in the United States, FOI - the Swedish Defence and Research Establishment, and the Norwegian Defence Estate Agency.

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), Flushing builder of naval ships, one frigate will make to the Indonesian Navy. End, beginning in Jakarta this week signed a contract. The ship of 2,400 tons will be built at the yard of the Indonesian PT PAL in Surabaya. According to DSNS director of Ameijden Hein, who was present at the signing, this frigate first in a series. It can be considerably more. "The transaction has a value of 220 million U.S. dollars (171 million). The Netherlands supports the purchase of an export.

The Indonesian navy has four smaller corvettes Damen's Sigma-class service. "The experience it gave us an advantage over the competition." Also Italian and Russian shipbuilders preyed on the construction order. "In addition to the design of this frigate strives to maximize agreement with the previously delivered ships." This reduces logistics costs, such as spare parts.

Yet this construction, says Van Ameijden "uncharted waters, since we first complete naval vessel outside our own facilities built. Damen affect the production of relatively simple components of naval vessels often have to subsidiaries, as the site of Galati in Romania . The ship parts then go on pontoons to the wharf at Flushing, where they are assembled and dismantled. "It fits into our strategy to outsource as much as possible. We have compared with other European yards also a relatively small base. But here we pay everything.

"To advise the Indonesian shipbuilders, is estimated to be twenty-DSNS seconded staff in Surabaya, PT PAL in which a joint venture is established. In February Damen already established a joint venture in Qatar in order to include joint naval ships.

Indonesia has about thirty frigates and corvettes, most at the end of their operational life.

26 Agustus 2010

Transfers of military technology--on a limited scale--could be an effective way to maintain the nation's vital defense technology while also supporting defense-related companies.The Defense Ministry is studying a plan to transfer aircraft it developed to private use. The plan includes converting the Maritime Self-Defense Force's US-2 search-and-rescue seaplane to a firefighting flying boat and also converting the XC-2 next-generation transport plane now being developed by the Air Self-Defense Force to a large civilian cargo airplane.

The transfer of military technology to civilian use is unprecedented in this country. But search-and-rescue and transport planes are not really armaments in the first place. Adapting them for civilian use would have no effect on Japan's ideal as a "pacifist nation."

The government would be able to recoup some of its development costs by collecting usage fees from private companies. The procurement costs for Self-Defense Forces planes could also be reduced through the efficiencies of mass production. Manufacturers, for their part, could expect certain levels of earnings because the global demand for firefighting flying boats and cargo airplanes is large.

Kawasaki XC-2 (photo : Airliners)Widespread benefits

Transfer of SDF technology to private use would benefit both the private and public sectors. The practice should have been promoted much earlier.

Recent years saw an increasing number of companies withdraw from the military equipment industry due to the continued decrease in defense budgets. The loss of the high-level engineers and specialized manufacturers that are indispensable for the development, production and improvement of such equipment undermines the bedrock of national security.

But at the same time, the security environment surrounding Japan has become grimmer. Under such circumstances, it is essential to maintain a foundation for defense technology even while making more efficient use of defense budgets.

In line with the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines scheduled within this year, it is important to make a drastic review of the arms export ban.

Regarding military equipment that entails huge development costs, such as the F-35 next-generation fighter jet candidate, joint development involving two or more countries is a global trend. Japan cannot take part in such multinational projects because its principles only allow participation in such projects to be undertaken with the United States.

Review export ban principleJapan's ban on arms exports applies to almost all nations other than the United States. The government must study limiting the ban to countries involved in international conflicts and those supporting terrorism. We suggest that Japan be at least permitted to undertake joint development of military weapons with ordinary countries and that a system be introduced to screen arms exports on a case-by-case basis.

Allowing the export of purely defensive materiel, such as mine detectors and bulletproof vests, would not harm Japan's image as a pacifist nation.

Both the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party called for transfers of military equipment to private use in their campaign platforms for the House of Councillors election in July. There could be room for cooperation beyond the framework of ruling and opposition parties on the issue of reexamining the export ban.

In the previous Cabinet under former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa expressed positive thoughts about revising the arms export ban. But the review could not take any concrete shape due to opposition from the Social Democratic Party, which was then a member of the ruling coalition.

Now that the SDP has defected from the coalition government, the political barriers to transfers of military technology appear to have been lowered drastically.

The company won a contract from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in 2008 to develop Blackfish as part of the Integrated Swimmer Defense program to detect underwater interlopers. As part of the Rhode Island trials, Blackfish was able to detect a swimmer, or a telltale bubble cloud, during multiple attempts. ONR is evaluating the results of the trials now and could order a second vehicle, says James Murray, QinetiQ program manager.

On display at the show is a working prototype, and the company says it is production-ready.It's a basic commercial jet ski underwater, but "everything from the waterline on up, we did," says Murray. "It's a very modular platform and makes extensive use of commercial, off-the-shelf components."

Blackfish's swimmer defense payload includes sonar, an underwater camera with light and low-speed maneuvering thrusters. Optional payloads could include nonlethal weapons, remotely fired weapons or additional sensors. It has a top speed of more than 40 knots, an operational range of 1km (0.62 miles) from its antennas, a mission endurance of 1h, and batteries that can be swapped out in less than five minutes.

K-21's amphibious system (all photos : militaryphotos)Critical flaws in the design of the K21 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle have been found following an investigation of the up-to-date vehicle, one of which sank during a river-crossing exercise July 29, an official at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Wednesday.

A soldier died when the 25-ton vehicle sank. This was the second time that a K21 has sunk since the vehicle entered service last November after 10 years of development.

According to investigators, a pump in the vehicle doesn’t work at its maximum river crossing speed of 7.8 kilometers per hour. The pump is supposed to displace 175 liters of water.

When the vehicle moves at this speed, the pressure inside the engine compartment goes down, and the motor of the pump starts to work. However, it was found that the water was not being removed properly, the official said.

“We plan to look into the design problems with the K21 more thoroughly by the end of next month,” he said. “The final results of the investigation will be announced then.”

The co-developers of the K21 ― the Agency for Defense Development and Doosan DST ― will recall the vehicles once the alleged problems are confirmed, said the official.

The K21 has often been referred to as a key export item in the coming years. Doosan DST and DAPA have said the vehicle offers better firepower, mobility and survivability than the U.S. Army's M2A3 and Russia's BMP-3.

The $3.4 million vehicle is cheaper than the U.S.-built Bradley and German Puma IFV with full options, whose per-unit prices are estimated at between $4 million and $4.5 million, according to Doosan.

The K21 IFV has a 750-horsepower turbo-diesel engine and 40mm auto cannon designed to shoot down slow-moving helicopters and aircraft. It has digital communication, GPS receivers and inter-vehicle digital links.

The vehicle can travel as fast as 70 kilometers per hour on paved roads, and crosses rivers with the help of a Water Jet Propulsion System, according to an Army release.

The South Korean Army plans to acquire about 450 K21s over the next decade.

25 Agustus 2010

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will soon get 18 light planes and eight helicopters as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program, said Major General Artemio Orozco, PAF 1st Air Division commander.

During a press conference here on Wednesday, Orozco said the command expects four of the 18 planes and eight helicopters to be delivered any time this year and the rest by next year.

The multipurpose helicopters can be mobilized in disaster and military operations.

Proper Procedures

Orozco said the proper aircraft procurement procedure had been carried out, the project bidding had been conducted and the command is just waiting for the deliveries.

He said the brand new light training planes and multipurpose helicopters would replace the old ones declared no longer functional by the command.

He said the PAF, as a standard practice, regularly identifies all assets that need repairs and replacements.

This would ensure that the assets would be properly maintained, he said.

“We see to it that our air assets are kept in good condition so these aircraft maintain their airworthiness and reliability,” he claimed.

Despite the sheer lack of air assets, the PAF is addressing this problem, though it would take some time, he added.

Aside from the acquisition of air assets, Orozco said the PAF has created an Air Education Training Command aimed at sustaining and upgrading its training on asset maintenance and pilot capability-building.

Orozco was here on Wednesday as guest of honor during the opening and blessing of the TOG5 (tactical operation group) taxiway, ramp and the Balay na Azul building for

office and visitors’ quarters.

P40 million

Air Force Col. Guillermo Molina, TOG5 commander, said the three projects, costing P40 million, would spur the command’s operation in the region.

Molina said the fund spent for the three infrastructure projects came from the National Disaster Coordinating Council through the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol.

He said the construction of the aircraft taxiway and ramp would enable air assets to maneuver with ease in times of disaster or military operations.

The Balay na Azul is a two-story edifice, which contains an office cum conference hall and three rooms for guests.

Molina presented to Orozco the newly trained 12-member TOG5 Search and Rescue team, who were trained in various aspects of search, retrieval and rescue operations.

Chile will buy six Embraer KC-390s and will join Brazil in developing the aircraft, hoping to be assigned the production of a major component. (image : Embraer)

The defense ministers of Chile and Brazil, Jaime Ravinet and Nelson Jobim, respectively, today signed a Declaration of Intent for the participation of our country in the development of the KC-390 military transport aircraft, which is carried out by the Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer.

Bilateral negotiations will define the terms and conditions of this participation, which will be implemented through the national aeronautics company, ENAER (Empresa Nacional de Aeronáutica), as stated in the declaration.

The document was signed by ministers during a visit to the facilities of the Chilean aerospace company this morning.Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim said the project is relevant to both countries and that "there will be an integration for the construction of an aircraft that will be of major significance for the future,” as it will have a very large market when it becomes available just as the American C-130 Hercules reaches the end of its life."The Brazilian state secretary added that ENAER was selected because "Chile has the capacity, expertise and know-how of other EMBRAER aircraft, like the Legacy, the Phenom, and the EMB-145. You will have a lot of work on that, "he said.

KC-390 Military Transport Aircraft (image : Embaer)"We would like the project to develop, because it will bring a very important flow of technology to ENAER," stated Minister Jaime Ravinet.

The Chilean defense minister said that, along with providing job opportunities to our industry, participation in this project will "make us full partners with EMBRAER in the manufacture of aircraft for the world market."

"EMBRAER has achieved high levels of excellence and have been very large contractors and parts and these words will take on greater significance as we will make a substantial component, such as the fuselage and the ramp of the aircraft, and that's a huge challenge for ENAER that we hope to successfully meet, "he added.The Memorandum of Understanding signed by the ministers is part of the good trade relations between the governments of Chile and Brazil, and of the sustained, long-term relationship between ENAER and EMBRAER since the beginning of the 90s.

Chile's participation in this program would increase Chilean capabilities in engineering and production of parts as well as contribute to the growth of the aviation industry in our country.